THE SET-UP
A dedicated cop (Channing Tatum) returns to his childhood neighborhood in the Queens projects, only to be confronted with a dark secret from his past. Tracy Morgan, Katie Holmes, Ray Liotta, Juliette Binoche, and Al Pacino co-star.
THE DELIVERY
In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I do not like actor Channing Tatum. I think he mumbles through his performances and relies on his looks rather than real acting talent. As the lead in the crime thriller The Son of No One, Tatum manages not to be as annoying as usual, although he does sport a Howard Hughes mustache and relies on a strong supporting cast to carry the dramatic load. Unfortunately, not even Ray Liotta, Katie Holmes, and Al Pacino can save this film from a mediocre script.
As I watched the film, I expected more detail to be revealed as the plot unfolded. Unfortunately, despite the stylized directing and attempt at a higher concept, there is not much here to care about. I thought there would be something more, especially since the film managed to attract some great actors. Instead, we are treated to muddled motivations and a story that makes no sense no matter how you try to fill in the logical blanks.
Juliette Binoche plays a reporter printing a series of letters from an anonymous source accusing the police of a coverup in the murders of a couple of thug junkies in 1986. The letters cause a media sensation for some reason, even though Queens has had countless unsolved murder cases over the years, and no reason is given as to why Bincohe (or everyone else for that matter) is so upset over the deaths of a few junkies. This is Queens after all; are people really going to give a damn over some dead lowlifes from 15 years ago?
Writer/director Montiel also fails to explain the logic behind the letters. All they say is that two guys were killed in 1986 and the police covered it up. Eventually, the letters blame Al Pacino's character, the investigating detective at the time. Still, no details of the crime or information about a coverup is given. All the police, namely Ray Liotta's police captain character, have to do is chalk it up to someone with a grudge against Pacino's character. There is never any proof of wrongdoing, so it should all blow over eventually. Instead, an elaborate conspiracy is hatched to silence the reporter and find the writer of the letters, which only brings more attention to the "scandal." Tatum's character gets sucked in, as the writer - or someone in the police conspiracy- threatens to expose Tatum's involvement in the murders. Or something. Any of this make sense yet?
I won't spoil the film by naming the writer of the letters, but it is eventually revealed that the letters were written, apparently, to bring justice for the thugs and to help Tatum's character move on from his tough childhood. Of course, since Tatum's character is now a cop who has a kid with a wife played by Katie Holmes, that makes no sense either. Even the final showdown makes no sense: all the bad guys involved with the conspiracy decide to get together - in broad daylight - for a final shootout. It is way too convenient, but it ensures some, but not all, of the bad guys get their just desserts. The rest just walk away. Eventually, you'll have to walk away from this unsatisfying film as well, without having your obvious questions answered.
VIDEO AND AUDIO
The video transfer is excellent, providing significant detail and a good amount of sharpness, even in flashback scenes where some artificial grain seems to be added. Colors are distinct though purposely muted to give the urban setting a gritty, lifeless feel. Blacks are deep and dark and looked great on the Samsung 46 inch HDTV the film was viewed on. The soundtrack is is a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix and provides a nice surrounding atmosphere. I had a little trouble with some of the clarity of the film's dialogue, so you might have to tinker with your sound system to make it better.
SPECIAL FEATURES
An audio commentary by Dito Montel (the film's writer/producer/director) and Jake Pushinsky (the executive producer and editor) provide some decent insight into the film and the creation process. It makes for an interesting listen if you watch the film again. Several deleted scenes are included, but they cannot be played individually; rather, they play in a continuous reel with no commentary by the director as to why they were cut. A theatrical trailer is also included.
THE BOTTOMLINE: BUY IT OR REDBOX IT?
Ratings
Movie: C+
Video: A-
Audio: B
Extras: C+
Overall grade: B
The Son of No One manages to take a fairly deccent cop film and undermine it with a total lack of logic. Director/writer/producer Montiel has to take most of the blame, especially for putting Tatum in the lead, as he is not strong enough to give the movie an emotional center. The best acting comes from the young actors in the flashbacks, but Pacino and Liotta play less interesting versions of their characters from Heat and Copland, respectively. The star power barely warrants it a rent, only to see how badly they dropped the ball here.
The Son of No One is now available from Anchor Bay Entertainment on DVD, Blu-ray, and a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.
Click here to order The Son of No One on Blu-ray from Amazon!
